WAUNAKEE More than 40 high school bands from across the state will march on the UW-Whitewater campus Oct. 17 for the 41st annual Wisconsin School Music Association (WSMA) State Marching Band Championships at Forrest Perkins Stadium, starting at 11 a.m.
Area participants include Fort Atkinson High School, performing at 2:17 p.m., and the Milton Red Hawk Marching Band at 6:57 p.m.
We are excited to celebrate our annual WSMA State Marching Band Championships with the outstanding youth musicians and educators who make this event possible, said WSMA executive director Laurie Fellenz. For over four decades, this state-level showcase of music, creativity and dedication has brought communities together and highlighted the many opportunities that marching band provides for students.
The WSMA State Marching Band Championships are divided into four entry classes (A, AA, AAA and AAAA) determined by total school enrollment.
Each band is allowed on the field a maximum of 13 minutes (including entry, performance and exit).
A panel of eight judges evaluates bands in six areas: music performance, visual performance, music general effect, visual general effect, percussion and color guard. Bands receive verbal commentary recorded in real time during their performance.
In each competitive class, A through AAAA, awards for Best Percussion, Best Musical Presentation, Best Visual Presentation and Best Color Guard are presented, in addition to division awards and the top three awards in each class.
At this years championships, Douglas Greenhalgh will be inducted into the WSMA Marching Band Hall of Fame, which recognizes the contributions made by individuals to the marching activity in Wisconsin. Greenhalgh left an enduring mark on Wisconsins marching band activity through his exceptional musicianship, passion for the art and dedication to students. As director of the Chippewa Falls Marching Cardinals from 1983 until his passing in 2005, he helped establish the ensemble as a respected leader in the Wisconsin marching community.
Family, friends and community members are invited to attend the 2026 WSMA State Marching Band Championships. Tickets $17 online ($22 at gate) for adults; $9 online ($11 at gate) for students 18 and under, senior citizens and undergraduate college students with valid college ID. Children five and under, free admission. <ore information, including post-event results, is available at .
Founded in 1932, WSMA is a non-profit service organization with more than 1,000 member public and private schools. Students from member schools are eligible to participate in WSMA programs, such as District and State Music Festivals, Concert Festivals, State Honors Music Project, State Marching Band Championships and Student Composition Project. WSMA is governed by a board of directors made up of superintendents, principals and other officers from across the state.